Auburn guard Chris Denson is academically ineligible and will not be able to play for the Tigers during the fall semester. The team announced the news on Denson shortly before Auburn tipped off its exhibition season against Victory Tuesday night.

In a press release, head coach Tony Barbee expressed his disappointment in Denson:

"I am disappointed Chris did not live up to his expectations, but we support him and will provide him with all the resources he needs to be successful."

Denson, a 6'3 junior out of Columbus, Ga., averaged 8.7 points in 22.3 minutes per game last season. He shot 36.8 percent from 3 and 63.6 percent from the free-throw line. Denson was often brought in off the bench to provide an offensive spark, which the Tigers may miss during his absence.

While he is ineligible, Denson can practice with the Tigers. He will be eligible to play again after the fall semester ends -- if he gets his grades up. In the mean time, guards Frankie Sullivan, Josh Wallace, Jordan Price and Brian Greene Jr. will try to pick up the slack.

Auburn tips off the regular season Friday, Nov. 9 against IPFW at 7 p.m. CT.